Community Forums

barmcd · 01-28-2016, 11:36 AM

We test drove a 2000 Dynasty with a PAC brake actuated by a pedal. Is that like a manual exhaust brake?

BFlinn181 · 01-28-2016, 03:15 PM

Manual generally means 'operated with the hands' but it also means when something isn't automatically or electronically. Often an exhaust brake is actuated by releasing the gas pedal or applying the brake treadle. Others work by a lever on the steering column. A foot pedal under the left foot is also commonly used.

Tomjhall · 01-28-2016, 04:03 PM

I'd say yes. My Windsor has the same style Brake and I didn't like having to keep it pressed while going down long grades like the Grape Vine so I added a switch in parallel with the foot switch. I can now start down the grade and flip the side panel switch 'on" and the Brake activates until I turn it off. It will also temporarily disengage if the Trans shifts into first or I touch the gas pedal but would activate once either of those examples aren't happening.

Some folks like the brake always activated. So when they aren't on the accelerator the brake is on or engaged. I don't like that config but some do. I hope I didn't muddy the water.

Nana25K · 01-28-2016, 06:06 PM

Our 2000 Dynasty has an exhaust brake operated by a pedal. We did make a mod. I did not like the location ( forward on the slanted part of the floor). I struggled with its rocker motion and the feeling that I was extending my leg to far and not really getting it engaged on the first time every time. I had my brother unscrew it and move it back so that it sits flat on the floor slightly left off the driver seat. This allows me to just move my foot over and step on it with the heel of my foot. This is how many semis are set up. Its now a smooth foot action for me. Ron didn't care where it was but I like it now

barmcd · 01-29-2016, 07:52 AM

Thanks for the information. I like the setup in my Ram truck where I can turn it on or off with a switch on the dash. Normally I don't use it until I'm coming to a stop while towing or going down a long grade, then I'll turn it on. I'm assuming that this is just a switch on the floor and I could convert it to a dash switch?

Nana25K · 01-29-2016, 08:09 AM

Yes you can. We discussed it with my brothers the sermi drivers who didn't see the point. However my input was that I am used to using my feet to operate a standard tranny in the car. Also I like having my hands on the wheel and having too take my hand off to look for that switch in an emergency stop wasn't appealing to me

Tomjhall · 01-29-2016, 10:58 AM

Nana25k
That's why I put the switch in parallel to the floor switch. I can use either the foot or dash switch. I also never had a warm fuzzy about the foot switch location.

jwinston · 02-12-2016, 04:11 PM

my 99 windsor has both a foot switch and toggle switch. floor switch was monentary ( hold down to operate ) I was able to find a replacement switch
which is on/off.. I also added on led light to the dash to indicate when it is enabled

oldguy70 · 02-12-2016, 06:11 PM

I have a foot operated switch and moved it to a more comfortable location and it works
great. I use it anytime I want to slow down. I have read not to use it in icy conditions
but I find it works great. On really steep hills I put the trans in 1st and use the exhaust brake.

Happycarz · 02-12-2016, 10:04 PM

I'm like Tom, but the reverse. Mine came with the on/off switch and when off throttle, exhaust brake came on and trans downshifted. I added foot switch to use when switch is off. Trans doesn't automatically down shift in this mode. Best of both worlds.

Captjake1 · 02-13-2016, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happycarz

I'm like Tom, but the reverse. Mine came with the on/off switch and when off throttle, exhaust brake came on and trans downshifted. I added foot switch to use when switch is off. Trans doesn't automatically down shift in this mode. Best of both worlds.

Anything special to know about this install? Just a momentary foot switch? I am assuming you did something to not activate the downshift. I definitely see an advantage to having this.